A row over drainage and flooding problems at a multi-million pound housing development has erupted again.

The former Conservative leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council has been accused of 'cynical opportunism and hypocrisy' stepping into the Rhoose Point row.

The controversy centres on concerns about the drainage system which has yet to be formally taken on by Welsh Water.

At a recent meeting of the Vale council, former leader Jeff James asked several questions about the knock-on impact the delays in Welsh Water formally adopting the drainage was having on the roads systems.

Councillor James and his cabinet were ousted from power last year after a vote of no confidence. The new cabinet consists of Labour, Plaid and Independent members.

He said: 'Coun James was the leader of the council for nearly eight years, more than ample time to ensure the problems of Rhoose Point and Rhoose generally were sorted out, but failed miserably to act.

'Now, after being dragged from office, he attempts to con the people of Rhoose by blaming historic problems on the new coalition who replaced his discredited Tory administration just eight weeks ago. This is cynical opportunism and hypocrisy.

'He is trying to change history and wash his hands of all the years he could have acted but did not. I will not let him get away with such shameful behaviour to act like he is the knight in shining armour galloping to rescue the residents while in reality he played a major part in allowing things to get into such a mess.'

Coun James said he and fellow councillor Gordon Kemp had pursued the Rhoose Point issue with officers, the developers and Welsh Water when he was council leader.

He said: 'We will continue to do this. But now we are not part of the administration we are free to ask questions of the administration in a way we could not before. As a Rhoose member and leader of the opposition, I hold him and his colleagues to account. Methinks he doth protest, or rant, too much.'